Singapore energy provider opens biomass steam plant

Sembcorp Industries, an energy and water solutions provider, has brought biomass-based energy to Jurong Island. Off the coast of Singapore, the Jurong Island woody biomass steam production plant can generate roughly 22 tons of process steam per hour, according to the company.

The project is not only a significant achievement for the island as the first waste-to-energy facility, but also a milestone for the company as it moves to provide more renewable energy to its customers on the island and in Singapore. Sembcorp has set a goal of supplying one third of all of its customers on the island, roughly 12 square miles, with a renewable energy power source by 2014.

The Jurong Island facility is using a water and fire tube boiler integrated with a water cooled, step grate combustion unit. The system also meets Singapore Building and Construction Authority’s Green Mark Gold standard, by using a natural ventilation system, natural lighting system, solar power and waste material. Sembcorp also operates a solid waste management division in Singapore, collecting and recovering recycled material ranging from wood waste to demolition waste.

According to the company, the Jurong Island biomass facility will benefit from Sembcorp’s existing capabilities, allowing a second boiler to be installed, adding another 44 tons per hour of production capacity. The expansion will be complete by 2013. In addition to the current boiler expansion plans, the company is also looking to develop two more energy-from-waste boilers on the island to produce another 154 tons of steam per hour for customers.

“Our wood chip boiler plant is significant for Sembcorp in our journey as a vital partner to the industry on Jurong Island,” said Ng Meng Poh, executive vice president for Sembcorp. “It is also a step forward in our strategy to grow our portfolio of renewable energy assets.”

Once all boilers are installed, they will reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 77,000 tons per year, according to Sembcorp. In total, the company already generates 5,600 MW, which contributes to its $9 billion in assets and the 9,000 people it employs.

0 Responses

Leave a Reply

Biomass Magazine encourages encourages civil conversation and debate. However, we reserve the right to delete comments for reasons including but not limited to: any type of attack, injurious statements, profanity, business solicitations or other advertising.